Consumer Alert on DTE Imposter Scams

Consumer Alert on DTE Imposter Scams

by | Dec 16, 2020 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

AG: Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

DTE: Chris Lamphear
313-235-5555

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

AG Nessel Issues Consumer Alert on DTE Imposter Scams

LANSING – Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an urgent consumer alert to Michigan residents in response to recent imposter scams related to DTE Energy.

DTE Energy reported that it recently became aware of calls being made to customers by someone claiming to be a DTE employee. The scammer was notifying customers of a power shutoff and requesting payment by bitcoin or preloaded money card to avoid shutoff. When a return call was made to the number shown on the customer’s caller ID, the customer was greeted by a convincing spoof of a DTE employee who would appear to help the customer avoid a shutoff. In fact, that impersonator would then take advantage of the customer by getting personal information and/or cash.

While consumers are targeted by utility imposter scams every day, this year is worse as a result of COVID-19. Attorney General Nessel is urging residents to recognize potential bad actors posing as utility workers, whether it be in-person, by phone, text or online.

“Some bad actors are using the ongoing pandemic to their full advantage to scam Michigan residents,” Nessel said. “It’s important to remember that utility companies will never call, email, or show up unannounced to demand payment or threaten shutoff. Don’t give in to the bullying or threats of a scammer – call your utility company directly from a phone number available on their website or listed on your utility bill.”

Scammers can be convincing and often target the most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income families. With so many struggling during the pandemic, all utility customers should learn to detect and report these predatory scams.

DTE Energy and other utility companies will never:

  • Solicit personal information for a government program that claims to reduce energy bills.
  • Visit your home to collect a bill or threaten shutoff.
  • Show up unannounced at a customer’s home to inspect or repair equipment, investigate a leak or do a free audit for energy efficiency.
  • Request immediate payment, instructing customer to purchase a prepaid debit card, or any form of unusual payment.
  • Request personal or financial information, such as Social Security number, utility account number or payment information.
  • Claim a customer is entitled to a refund or rebate asking  for bank account or credit card information to make the alleged refund.
  • Use aggressive tactics to get into a customer’s home.

If you suspect you have been contacted by an imposter, call 800-477-4747 to speak to a customer representative who can confirm the status of your account.

View the consumer alert here for more information on utility scams and how to protect yourself.
TechSmith establishing headquarters in East Lansing 

TechSmith establishing headquarters in East Lansing 

by | Dec 16, 2020 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2020

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, 517-489-0557 achtenbergk@michigan.org

 

High-tech software company TechSmith establishing new international headquarters in East Lansing 

  • Expansion will create and retain up to 300 high-tech jobs in the Lansing region, generate nearly $15M in private investment 
  • Global software developer chooses Michigan for expansion, further establishes Lansing region as hub for high-tech jobs

 

LANSING, Mich. – Leading software development company TechSmith is planning to establish a new international headquarters facility, growing its presence in East Lansing with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Whitmer Administration announced today. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of nearly $15 million and create 25 highly-paid jobs while retaining 275 jobs in the Lansing area.

 

“This is great news for our state, our families, and our economy, and it proves once again that Michigan is a world leader in innovation,” said Governor Whitmer. “This crucial partnership with TechSmith will create up to 50 new good-paying, high-tech jobs for Michigan workers. I’m proud to partner with TechSmith and look forward to working with every business that wants to invest in our state.”

 

TechSmith, founded in 1987 as Horizon Technologies, is a high-tech software development company focusing on capturing screen content for better communication. Its software is used as aides for training, tutorials, scholastic lessons and everyday communication. TechSmith’s products are used by more than 65 million users in more than 193 countries, and customers include Johnson & Johnson, eBay and Accenture. The company has 275 employees and is currently spread across five buildings in Alaiedon Township in Ingham County.

 

TechSmith plans to consolidate its current five facilities into one new headquarters building to be built near the former Spartan Village in East Lansing. The project is expected to result in the creation of 25 qualified new jobs, with the potential for up to 50 total jobs, and a capital investment of nearly $15 million. The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved a $250,000 Jobs Ready Michigan grant in support of the project.

 

“As a growing tech company, we know our employees are driving our success,” said Wendy Hamilton, CEO of TechSmith. “We look forward to providing a quality workspace and state of the art amenities to our amazing team, which not only better equips us to attract world-class talent, but also deepens our company’s sense of commitment to and passion for Michigan State University and the Lansing region.”

 

The Jobs Ready Michigan Program is designed to provide grants for business expansion and location projects that lead to job creation and investments in Michigan that have a demonstrated training need, particularly in pursuing new opportunities for high-tech, high-demand, and high-wage jobs.

 

Since its founding, TechSmith has focused on embracing an employee-centric mindset and prides itself on offering compensation packages that exceed industry standards, along with providing professional pathways for every employee. To find and attract talent, TechSmith also has an extensive internship program that brings interns to the Lansing area each summer from many different universities and colleges, as well as providing year-round internships to local students from MSU and Lansing Community College.

 

The company expects the new building to be a recruiting tool that will include modern design, open work areas and employee comforts mimicking accommodations found at software companies based in Silicon Valley.

 

The project builds on economic prosperity efforts led by MEDC by supporting a business in the target industries of tech and professional and corporate services and fostering high-wage job growth.

 

“The Lansing area continues to establish itself as a growing tech and professional services hub in the state and this investment by TechSmith further underscores the competitive advantages our state is has to offer growing tech businesses – from the strength of our business climate to our talented workforce,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark Burton. “We’re pleased to work with our partners, including LEAP, here in the Lansing region to support this project.”

 

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) assisted TechSmith in identifying and evaluating locations throughout the region. Additionally, LEAP has been vital to partnering and packaging TechSmith’s project with key governmental agencies and local business partners.

 

“The Jobs Ready Michigan grant from the MEDC to support TechSmith’s move to East Lansing, is evidence of TechSmith’s commitment to a talent focused culture and the caliber of the more than 275 jobs that could soon move into the region,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “This project will create good, high-paying jobs we can count on into the future, and it sets the stage for continued development of the tech industry in the region. We’re thankful to our great partners at the MEDC for supporting another great project in the Lansing region.”

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Governor Whitmer and Santa Claus Talk with Michigan Children

by | Dec 16, 2020 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2020

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer and Santa Claus Talk with Michigan Children about Safety this Holiday Season

 

NORTH POLE –  As Michigan kids gear up for the holiday season, Governor Whitmer brought a special guest from the North Pole to her latest virtual meeting to talk to them about staying safe. Santa also reassured the kids that he, the elves and the reindeer have followed all of the COVID-19 safety precautions are able to make the trek from the North Pole.

 

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“We know this holiday will look different in many ways, but Michigan’s children can be assured that Santa Claus will continue his yearly tradition of visiting millions of children around the world,” said Governor Whitmer. “I know Santa, his elves, and the reindeer have been safe this year and our kids showed them how Michiganders do their part to keep each other safe by wearing a mask, socially distancing, and washing hands frequently.”

 

“Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas Michiganders!” said Santa Claus, “I know lots of boys and girls across the great state of Michigan who have been extremely nice and safe this year. Just like every year, I will travel to homes across the world to visit boys and girls and spread holiday cheer. Don’t forget to leave out a carrot for Rudolph so his nose glows extra bright and wear your mask!”

 

Click here to watch the governor’s chat with Santa.
EGLE awards second round of EV charger grants

EGLE awards second round of EV charger grants

by | Dec 16, 2020 | Regional News

EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 16, 2020
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, AssendelftN@Michigan.gov, 517-388-3135

EGLE awards second round of EV charger grants

Nine more locations in Michigan will soon offer electric vehicle fast charging stations under a second round of grants that total $448,204 awarded today by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

The installations will continue to build out a network of direct current fast chargers (DCFC) that EGLE is partially funding at strategic locations around the state to provide drivers worry-free travel. EGLE’s Charge Up Michigan Program offers up to $70,000 per charging station to public or private entities in partnership with the host site and local utility for site preparation, installation, signage and network fees. The goal is to have the network, funded through Michigan’s allocation from the Volkswagen diesel settlement, completed by 2030.

Today’s grant announcement includes six new charger locations and three expansions of previously awarded projects, for a total of 18 charging ports.

New grants


Grantee

Number
of chargers

Total
granted
 Coyne Oil Corp. (Mt. Pleasant) 2 $50,850
 Maple Hill Auto Group Transit, LLC (Kalamazoo) 2 $50,850
 Clearview Auto Wash Inc. (Shelby Township) 2 $50,000
 Marlette Oil and Gas Co. (Marlette) 2 $50,000
 Merle Boes, Inc. (Grand Rapids) 2 $46,845
 City of Owosso 2 $44,257

Modified grants


Grantee

Added
chargers

Total
granted
 Walters Dimmick Petroleum (Marshall)1 2 $65,565
 Blarney Castle Oil and Propane (Indian River) 2 $49,837
 Meijer, Inc. (Northville) 2 $40,000

1 Project through the City Utility of Marshall, in which the city supports a third of the project cost

Grant funding is still available and priority consideration will be given to future applicants who propose installing DC fast chargers in the Upper Peninsula, northwest or northeast Lower Peninsula, southwest Michigan near the border with Indiana and southeast Michigan near the border with Ohio. The Charge Up Michigan website provides a state map and preferred locations list of funded chargers and where they are still needed under the build-out plan.

Questions about the program, grant opportunities and possible charger locations should be directed to Julie Staveland, State Energy Program Specialist, at StavelandJ@Michigan.gov.

In August, EGLE awarded $1.7 million in grants for 36 DC fast charging stations with a total of 76 plug-in points for automobiles and light-utility vehicles. Many of those stations are in operation and others should be available soon.

EGLE is committed to the future of mobility through investment in infrastructure that is needed to support EVs and it has identified optimal charger locations across Michigan. An expanded EV fast charging network in Michigan will boost driver confidence that chargers will be available and operational in a well-lit, safe environment, improve air quality, reduce vehicle emissions, and protect public health and the environment.
MDHHS asks Michiganders to “Mask Up, Mask Right”

MDHHS asks Michiganders to “Mask Up, Mask Right”

by | Dec 15, 2020 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 15, 2020

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS asks Michiganders to “Mask Up, Mask Right”

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative to not only get Michiganders to mask up, but to mask right.

“The science is now settled: Masks protect others from COVID – and they protect the wearer,” said Robert Gordon, MDHHS director. “It’s important to wear the right mask and wear it the right way. We want all Michiganders to Mask Up, Mask Right as we continue to battle the virus in our state.”

Masking right includes wearing one of three options of masks that provide stronger protection: three-layered washable cloth face coverings, medical-grade disposable masks or approved KN95 masks. It also includes wearing the approved mask correctly and having it secured over the nose and face and tightly fitting without gaps.

CDC has recommended the use of masks to protect the community by reducing emission of the virus and to protect the wearer by reducing inhalation. CDC cites a number of studies showing that masks have been effective. For example, one study showed that use of masks onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt was associated with a 70% reduced risk of COVID; another showed that, in a contact tracing investigation, those who reported wearing masks had a 70% lower risk of infection than those who did not. Published research by Beaumont Hospital in Southeast Michigan also showed that mask wearing was associated with lower levels of infection by COVID and, among those infected, lower levels of symptoms.

Bandanas, gaiters and face shields without masks do not provide adequate protection for the wearer or others and are not recommended.

“The delivery of the first COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan means there will be an end to this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “However, it will take several months before we are able to have enough vaccine to widely distribute it to all Michiganders. Until then, and even for individuals who receive the vaccine, we should all be doing our part to slow the spread of this virus by wearing masks correctly, avoiding large gatherings, and washing hands.”

Residents in need of masks can pick one up from partner sites across the state, which includes most MDHHS local offices and Community Action Agencies. Find a distribution site at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan or call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Michigan Dairy Farmers Caught Up in Dean Foods Bankruptcy

by | Dec 15, 2020 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

AG: Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

MDARD: Jennifer Holton
(c) 517-242-2575

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

Michigan Dairy Farmers Caught Up in Dean Foods Bankruptcy

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently learned that Dean Foods, the largest dairy processor in the United States, sent notices to a handful of Michigan dairy farmers who direct-shipped their milk to a former Dean dairy plant in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The notices demand the return of money paid to them by Dean in the months leading up to the company’s bankruptcy. The company filed for bankruptcy in November 2019.

The notice is an attempt to force those dairy farmers who previously direct-shipped milk to Dean Foods to repay a portion of the amount Dean paid the farmers during the 90-day period before Dean filed for bankruptcy. While this action is a common practice under bankruptcy law, not all amounts paid in the normal course of business are subject to such claims.

The issue was brought to the attention of Attorney General Dana Nessel last week by state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, who represents a few dairy farmers who direct-shipped milk to a Dean Foods plant in Marquette and may be affected. These farms are not represented by either the Michigan Milk Producers Association or the Dairy Farmers of America co-ops. A dairy inspector from MDARD  is personally reaching out to these farmers to provide them with information on how to respond to the Dean notice.

“We are disappointed that hard working dairy farmers and their families are put in the position of having to incur costs, either in paying the amount demanded or from obtaining legal counsel to defend themselves – and I want to personally thank Sen. McBroom for bringing this issue to my attention,” said Nessel.

“Michigan’s dairy farmers provided milk in good faith fulfilling their contract with Dean Foods,” said Gary McDowell, MDARD director. “It’s disheartening that the company is now questioning those payments made to farming families.”

“These U.P. dairy farms, and many others like them throughout Michigan, have suffered greatly during the coronavirus pandemic,” said McBroom. “Now, again, through no fault of their own, they are being punished for simply and responsibly doing their jobs to provide healthy products to consumers. I appreciate the Attorney General and MDARD taking an interest in this unfortunate situation and am hopeful it can be resolved without further harming these small family farms.”

Dairy farmers with legal questions should consult their private legal counsel.

Questions regarding the Dean Foods notice can be directed to Jeff Haarer in the Agriculture Development Division of MDARD at 517-896-2236.